TITLE
Recommendation to approve renaming the Multi-Use Sport Court in Marina Vista Park the Luke Tatsu Johnson Court.
DISCUSSION
In 2015 a group of Third District students were involved in the 2nd in the nation, youth participatory budgeting program. This program involved developing project proposals, student meetings, and a vote being held open to all Middle and High School students in the Third District. Over 700 votes were cast by the local youth and the process led to the decision to construct a multi-use sport court in Marina Vista Park.
One important member of this student committee was 15-year-old, Luke Johnson. Luke was a resident of Alamitos Heights and lived close to the park with his mother Rena, father Todd and brother, Spencer. Luke was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 14, on the very day he started his freshman year at Wilson High School. In 2016 Luke lost his two-year battle with Leukemia. This journey took him out of school throughout his early high school career. This committee became one of the ways he was able to stay in contact with his peers during his illness and was a responsibility he took seriously.
Luke Johnson was a well-loved member of the community who was a friend to everyone. He is deeply missed by his community, his peers, and his family. In honor of his community involvement and role in the Marina Vista sport court being built, the community has expressed its support for naming the new sport court in Luke Johnson's memory.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is not a financial impact as a result of the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
VICE MAYOR DEE ANDREWS, SIXTH DISTRICT
CHAIR; HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE